The Premier League wasted little time producing talking points, with Manchester United’s attacking problems, Ollie Watkins’ uncertain future and Alexander Isak’s difficult return to Newcastle among the biggest early storylines.
United’s 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull exposed a lack of threat in the final third. Matheus Cunha struggled as a false 9 while Benjamin Sesko, who came on in the second half, failed to change the game. With Joshua Zirkzee left on the bench, Michael Carrick already faces questions over his options up front.
At Newcastle, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak endured a miserable return to St James’ Park. The striker was booed by the home supporters and missed his main chance before Dominik Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty rescued a 2-2 draw for Liverpool. Isak’s form will be closely watched with Hugo Ekitiké still sidelined.
Aston Villa also face uncertainty after Ollie Watkins missed their 4-0 defeat at Brighton while considering interest from Al-Hilal. Unai Emery indicated that Watkins had refused to play, although Villa said they were not close to an agreement with the Saudi club.
There were brighter stories elsewhere. Brentford’s £39m signing Mamadou Sangaré impressed in midfield during the 3-0 win over Tottenham, underlining how quickly a relatively modest signing can make an impact against bigger-spending rivals.
Everton also began with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring a superb goal and showing why he could become central to David Moyes’ plans.
Newly promoted Hull enjoyed an unlikely victory over United, helped by a composed debut from £20m goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Meanwhile, Leeds’ 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest offered early encouragement that Daniel Farke’s side can avoid another relegation battle.
The opening weekend also highlighted tactical shifts. Ipswich used centre-back Dara O’Shea at right-back to counter the growing importance of aerial threats from set pieces, while Manchester City relied on Rayan Cherki’s impact from the bench to beat Bournemouth 2-1.
Arsenal began with a 3-0 win over Coventry but Gabriel Martinelli’s omission raised questions after the forward rejected a move to Galatasaray. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright criticised how the situation was being handled, saying Martinelli “should be treated with a little bit more respect”.
With only one round played, it is far too early for firm conclusions. But the opening weekend has already exposed some familiar Premier League themes: unsettled strikers, expensive gambles, clever recruitment and managers under pressure to get their plans right quickly.
The Guardian
